Crispy Butter Chicken

Instructions:

For the crispy chicken:

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs, buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper to create the crispy coating.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and coat each piece thoroughly in the crispy coating mixture.
4. Fry Until Golden: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces until they achieve a golden and crispy exterior, typically 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Drain Excess Oil: Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

For the butter chicken sauce:

1. Cook the Chicken: In a pan, cook the boneless and skinless chicken breasts until fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the sauce base: In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté minced ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add the tomato puree and cook until the mixture thickens.
3. Add Cream and Spices: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, fenugreek leaves, and salt. Allow the sauce to simmer, letting the flavors meld.
4. Integrate the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the sauce, ensuring it is well coated. Allow the butter chicken to simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes.
5. Serve: Plate the crispy chicken and ladle the butter chicken sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Spice Customization: Adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder.
• Creamy Dreamy: For an even creamier sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream or incorporate yogurt into the butter chicken sauce.
• Nutty Crunch: Add a textural element by sprinkling chopped nuts, such as almonds or cashews, over the finished dish.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for the crispy coating.
• Replace buttermilk with a keto-friendly alternative, like almond milk or unsweetened yogurt.
• Adjust the quantity of tomato puree in the sauce to manage carb content.

Low-Carb Version:

• Utilize almond flour or a low-carb baking mix in place of all-purpose flour for the crispy coating.
• Opt for a leaner cut of chicken, such as chicken tenders, to reduce the overall fat content.
• Experiment with a blend of low-carb cheeses in the crispy coating.

The Crispy Butter Chicken combines the greatest qualities of both worlds: soft chicken with a golden, crispy coating, all covered in an opulent, savory butter chicken sauce. This gastronomic delight is a ballet of crunchy perfection and creamy pleasure, a celebration of textures and flavors. Every mouthful is a harmonious fusion of flavor, whether you indulge in the traditional recipe or explore keto and low-carb variations. Enjoy this remarkable recipe with loved ones and let the magical crispy butter chicken enhance your mealtime experience. Prepare yourself for a crunchy, creamy journey!